Dr. Carmen Maria Smith's Obituary
Sunrise October 16, 1961 – Sunset June 7, 2026
Dr. Carmen Maria Smith was born October 16, 1961, in Los Angeles, California, to Harold Smith and Margret Bell. She was raised by her parents, Harold and Sherian Smith, in a large and loving family alongside numerous siblings.
From an early age, Carmen embraced life with enthusiasm, humor, and curiosity. During her school years, she participated in track, cheerleading, and enjoyed an active social life. She graduated from Dorsey High School in 1979.
During her life, Carmen pursued a remarkable variety of careers and opportunities. Her work ranged from accounting, auditing, and statistics to social work, education, behavioral therapy, and educational leadership. She served students as an elementary, middle school, and high school teacher, coach, mentor, special education instructor, college professor, department chair, and high school principal. Whether working for the Department of Defense, Union Pacific Railroad, or in higher education, Carmen approached every role with intelligence, dedication, and a desire to help others grow. Although she was proud to earn her Doctor of Education degree, she was most proud of her children and their accomplishments.
Throughout her life, Carmen loved and trusted the Lord in everything she did. She enjoyed traveling the world, learning about other cultures, exploring her Muscogee (Creek) heritage, attending live jazz concerts, spending time outdoors, creating beautiful works of art, cooking for others, and opening her home to family and friends. Family members, friends, students, and even people she just met knew Carmen as someone who would always listen, offer wise counsel, lend a helping hand, and open her heart to those in need.
Carmen passed away on June 7, 2026, at the age of 64 surrounded by her children. She is survived by her three children, Jules Christopher Cox Sr., Jillian Camille Plum, and Jocelyn Cierra Long; Her grandchildren, Levi Theodore Plum, Nathaniel Jude Plum, Jamario Sean Jarmon, Jules Christopher Cox Jr., and Ahsoka Maricita Cox; and her beloved sons-in-love, Kevin Matthew Plum and Lance Alan Long. Her life was marked by unwavering faith in God, wisdom, compassion, generosity, and service to others. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the many lives she touched.
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